Maui and the lensman: What really happened?

Unlike last year when Assunta de Rossi "survived" a grueling pictorial for the 2002 FHM Calendar (conceptualized by FHM Philippines editor Eric Ramos) without any incident, the pictorial for the 2003 FHM Calendar became controversial because of a reported "sizzling incident" by the waterfalls in scenic Bohol between Maui Taylor, one of the three models (the two others are Aubrey Miles and Diana Zubiri), and the macho photographer (named in other publications but not in this space, in deference to the guy’s wife with whom he has two little kids, with a new one coming soon).

As in the classic Kurosawa movie Rashomon, there are three different accounts/versions of the "sizzling incident" and it’s up to you to decide which one "resembles" the truth (and nothing but).

Version 1 (by the movie press): During the pictorial by the waterfalls, Maui and the photographer disappeared for 15 minutes during which "something" happened between them – you know, some kind of an exciting game adults love to play.

Version 2 (by Maui): "During the pictorial, (the photographer) was asking me to submerge myself in the water which was turning muddy. We had a little fight. So how could something happen when we even had a fight?"

Version 3 (by Eric Ramos): "I was there. It happened during the (post-pictorial) party. I swear that Maui and the photographer didn’t disappear (for 15 minutes). Nothing of that sort happened."

There. You can draw your own conclusions now.

"What do they think of me?" Maui was quoted by a tabloid, "cheap? Nakakahiya doon sa wife ni (photographer)."

During the media launch last Monday (at Aresi Restaurant on Tomas Morato, Quezon City) for the calendar, eyebrows soared when Maui brought along her lawyer, saying that she did so in case somebody asked something "libelous" (such as what!?!). Was Maui being, uh, defensive? Why, couldn’t she defend herself? Did she doubt her own credibility so she had to bring along her lawyer? Or was she trying to scare the press people?

Again, you draw your own conclusions.

Like the Assunta de Rossi Calendar, the new one is a veritable collectors’ item, especially for people who love to fantasize over sexy stars. Asked why three models and not just one, Eric said, "FHM fans were demanding for more; they were not satisfied with just one model."

Shot on location in Bohol, the calendar is teeming with sensual images of the three boldies, captured in 18 stunning images in a scorching 16-month spread opening with November-December 2002 and ending with January-February 2004.

"So far," said Eric, "this is the most joyful shoot I’ve ever had the privilege of overseeing in the short colorful history of FHM Philippines. The models, the creative team and the FHM staff had so much fun making the calendar and I believe it shows in the product."

And it’s the most controversial shoot, too, all because of the rumored waterfalls incident.

By the way, how did the incident affect the photographer?

Funfare DPAs said that anywhere he goes now, his wife tags along, including their two kids. It’s a pity the photographer didn’t show up at the media launch so he could give his own (the fourth) version of the incident.

When asked for their opinion, both Aubrey and Diana said they were "eyewitness" and denied that something happened, saying so with a straight face.

(Note: Those interested in the calendar may call 631-8971 local 144 or 631-0510.)

Diana’s ‘stunts’

Two days after the FHM Calendar launch Diana Zubiri (starring in Seiko Films’ Kasiping, her second outing after Itlog) made quite a scene on EDSA during a pictorial, again for Eric’s FHM, wearing only skimpy bikinis and stopping traffic while she tried to hitch a ride (as per the pictorial concept). Diana didn’t jump into any of vehicles that screeched to a halt but she did create a traffic jam, prompting Mandaluyong City Mayor Benhur Abalos to mull filing a case (for indecent exposure and public scandal?) against Diana. You see, it happened in that part of EDSA covered by Mandaluyong.

Diana’s "stunts" are drawing exactly the attention she wants, such as landing on ABS-CBN’s Headlines and on the tabs. It’s also good for her movie (Kasiping) which deals, according to Seiko boss Robbie Tan, "with entangled passions and suspicions."

Claiming to be a Zubiri in real life, Diana denied (during the FHM presscon) that she’s using Bukidnon Rep. Miguel Zubiri to gain publicity mileage, recalling that Miguel turned down her invitation to act as her escort to the recent Star Awards for Television.

"If it’s true that (Miguel) is ‘disowning’ me," said Diana, "I can’t do anything about it. Pero Zubiri talaga ako. I may or may not be a relative of (Miguel) pero Zubiri talaga ako."

No, Diana didn’t cross her heart (and hope to die?) when she said that.

What’s up?

• The chi-chi crowd, art connoisseurs and showbiz personalities alike flock to a quaint hangout right smack in bustling Timog Avenue. Cafe Kilimanjaro is the perfect chill-out place after the daily grind. Relax to the groove of the Deep Forest, Reggae Masters, Brazilian drums and Indie Pop while sipping your fave cocktails served the Kllimanjaro way. Sample the mouth-watering specialties (nothing over P250 in their sumptuous menu of authentic African cuisine) such as Tribal feast, Mixed Seafood Platter, Mozambique (Herbed Fettucini), Zambia (fried chicken roll with herbs and cheese), Barbecue Jerk Chicken to name a few. Soothe your frayed nerves with their addictive dalandan slash and other fresh fruit concoctions. Calm your senses with their smooth coffee blends and to die-for desserts. Stimulating conversation and intellectual intercourse available all night long with interesting artifacts all over this "karakter" of a cafe/bar.

• A concert featuring Traffic Jam and Nityalila will be one of the highlights of The Heritage Park’s A Celebration of Life, an event that encourages people to enjoy life through a series of activities that focus on fun, entertainment, family bonding and spiritual upliftment. The concert is scheduled tonight starting at 9 at the memorial park’s chapel grounds.

• There is no doubt that cases of spirit possessions continue in the country. Such cases thrive not only in the big city but most especially in the provinces. This is not surprising since spirit possessions in the country have been happening since time immemorial. Why do spirit possessions take place or happen? And when it happens, who can help those who are victimzied? Join GMA 7’s I-Witness with Maki Pulido as she discovers the world of those possessed by evil spirits and those who help the possessed victims, the Born again groups and the Faith Healers, in the episode Sinasapian, on Monday, Nov. 4, 11 p.m.